• Mocha Matters

    Recurring

    Join our Virtual Support Group for Families of Color, a welcoming space created to connect, support, and empower families with loved ones on the autism spectrum. This monthly gathering provides an opportunity to share experiences, build community, and access valuable resources in an inclusive and understanding environment.

    Hosted by Spectrum Autism Support Group, these virtual parent meetings take place on the fourth Wednesday of each month and feature guest speakers who offer insight and expertise on a wide range of topics related to Autism Spectrum Disorder.

    While this group is designed to uplift and reach families of color, all families are welcome to join the conversation, learn, and grow together.

  • Workshop – Strategies and Supports for Families of Autistic Children/Teens

    As a follow up to our Intro to Autism workshop, this 90 min workshop will go through practical ways parents and caregivers of autistic children and teens can find the support that they need. We will discuss how to determine what your family needs, and then some practical ideas on how to meet those needs. This will include possible service providers and how to find them, as well as some strategies that might work in your home. Note that this is different from our Benefits conference, which gives comprehensive information on how to get services covered by state benefits. You are welcome in this webinar regardless of whether or not your child or teen has a medical diagnosis of autism. Please note that we may not be able to answer complex questions about your situation during the presentation. However, this is a great place to get ideas, and then consider accessing Parent Coaching for specialized support.
    AANE can offer participants a reduced fee or free registration. As long as space remains in the group, no one requesting financial aid will be turned away. To request financial aid, send an email to events@aane.org.

    $25
  • Movie Discussion Group for Adults

    Unwind in the AANE movie discussion group! This is a group for those who enjoy movies to talk about them with other Neurodivergent participants. There isn’t a specific theme or film per session, the group functions as an informal space to discuss a wide variety of your favorite (or least favorite!) movies. Both verbal and typed discussion allowed and encouraged!

    $10
  • Support Group for Families of Autistic Adults

    This group meets one Sunday a month and is for parents, family members, and friends of Autistic individuals. Guest speakers are hosted every other month.

    Free
  • Support Group for Women

    This group is for those who identify as female. Discussions will focus on what it means to be an independent adult, sexuality, safety, mother/daughter relationships, managing anxiety and sensory issues associated with autism, work challenges and successes, being a woman on the autism spectrum, friendships and relationships.

    Free
  • Support Group for Women (50+)

    Join us monthly for an support group that offers Autistic women, age 50+ an opportunity to come together to explore issues such as:

    Receiving a diagnosis later in life
    Masking and Camouflaging
    Finding Support; Building and Maintaining Relationships
    Challenges Post Menopause; Decline of Executive Functioning
    Mid-Life Identity
    Managing Stress and Coping Strategies
    Self-Care

    $10
  • Workshop – Understanding Masking for Adults

    Join us for this 90-minute workshop on masking crafted for and by Autistic adults. We’ll unpack the pressures and motivations behind masking, explore its emotional impact, and touch on the nuanced gender differences. Learn more about the implications of consistently concealing Autistic traits and the quest for spaces where Autistic individuals can be their authentic selves. Connect with a community that understands the intricacies of living neurodivergent lives.

    $25
  • Workshop – Talking About Autism with Your Autistic Child for Parents of Children/Teens

    This 90-minute presentation discusses the when, how, and why of talking about Autism with your Autistic child or teen. Come learn concrete strategies for starting and continuing the conversation. We’ll cover how to use affirming language to support your child in their lifelong journey of understanding what Autism means for them. Topics include talking about a new diagnosis, identifying strengths and accommodation needs, encouraging self-advocacy, and the importance of Autistic and Neurodivergent representation.

    $25
  • Multi-Session Workshop – ALIVE for LGBTQIA+ Adults

    ALIVE is a two part online workshop for LGBTQIA+ Autistic adults. One part is an 8 week curriculum based workshop and the other is an 8 week support group experience. There is a three month break between the parts. Registration includes both parts (16 weeks.)
    ALIVE is rooted in a neurodiversity embracing perspective and is facilitated by an autistic adult and a non-autistic adult who work together. The curriculum provides education about the science of LGBTQIA+ mental health, community building, and more. Topics of discussion will include:

    -Creating Goals
    -Science of minority stress
    -Countering shame and guilt
    -Meaning and purpose
    -Building self-compassion
    -Positive coping in today’s world
    -Science of pride and affirmation
    -Holistic self-care
    -Managing rejection expectations
    -Healthy relationships and boundaries
    -Building a future worth living for

    ALIVE offers a safe and affirming envirnoment for Autistic adults to talk with like minded people, share issues and concerns and celebrate successes It also provides opportunities for participants to build ongoing connections with a small LGBTQIA+ community’
    Dates

    September 30
    October 7
    October 14
    October 21
    October 28
    November 4
    November 11
    November 18
    February 17
    February 24
    March 3
    March 10
    March 17
    March 24
    March 31
    April 7
    AANE can offer participants a reduced fee or free registration through the Jody Acford Memorial Fund. As long as space remains, no one requesting financial aid will be turned away. To request financial aid, send an email to events@aane.org.

    $150
  • Support Group for Parents/Caregivers of Autistic Individuals

    Join other parents of Autistic children of any age to share experiences, support one another, and build your toolbox to parent more confidently. We will be having a good conversation over Zoom. This group is facilitated by Bruce Sabian, who facilitated AANE’s Support Group for Fathers.

    $10
  • Multi-Session Support Group for Adults

    This 8-meeting support group is for Autistic adults (18+) who are post k-12. Through this group, members can build an ongoing connection with a small community. AANE support groups give members an opportunity to celebrate successes and support each other through difficulties. Common topics of discussion are:

    Masking/camouflaging
    Sensory sensitivities/overloads
    Relationships
    Self-care
    Disclosure
    Work/jobs
    Intersectionality
    Dates

    September 30
    October 7
    October 14
    October 21
    October 28
    November 4
    November 11
    November 18
    AANE can offer participants a reduced fee or free registration through the Jody Acford Memorial Fund. As long as space remains, no one requesting financial aid will be turned away. To request financial aid, send an email to events@aane.org.

    $100
  • Open Arms Support Group – Parents, caretakers and special educators

    Open Arms Support Group – Parents, caretakers and special educators. Our next meeting is 9/30 at 8 PM EST. Topic: Would you like to advocate like a pro? Iris Nova(licensed special education teacher of over 26 years) Open arms, support groups/family coaching Fee: $25 per session. Register by 9/29 @8:00 PM EST Let’s grow our supportive community together! If the name or email is different on the payment form make note of that.

    $25